Rome: Splitting the Empire; Origins of Christianity; Omens to

Decline

Rome: Too Big

Rome had grown too big for effective rule.

Rome was too far away and the provinces often did not do as they were instructed

Emperor Diocletian decided that the empire must be split in two to make it easier to manage

This created two Roman Empires The Western Roman Empire- Capital in Rome

The Eastern Roman Empire- Capital in Byzantium

The ruler of the Western Roman Empire was seen as the senior ruler of Rome

Diocletian then moved to rule the Eastern Roman Empire. He brought with him much of West Rome’s wealth

Constantine

When Diocletian resigned his rule in 305 CE, he left power to Constantine who consolidated power after a few battles.

Constantine changed the name of Byzantium to Constantinople and claimed that it was a city deserving to be the capital of Rome.

Jews under Roman Rule

The Romans permitted the existence of different religions throughout the empire, but expected people to worship the emperor as divine.

Jews refused to recognize the emperor as a god

Jews revolted against Roman rule in 66 CE and again in 135 CE

Romans crushed these rebellions, destroyed the Jewish temple in Jerusalem and pushed the Jews toward the diaspora.

Origins of Christianity

Christianity began almost 2000 years ago and is based on the teachings of Jesus

Jesus is said to have been a Jew born in Bethlehem who preached that he was the messiah that Jews had been waiting for

The Romans crucified Jesus for claiming he was the Messiah

After his death, a band of his followers, the Apostles, believed Jesus rose from the dead to redeem mankind.

While maintaining old Jewish beliefs, the message was adapted to emphasize the role of faith in Jesus as the messiah

Christians in Ancient Rome

Like the Jews, Christians refused to worship the emperor and were persecuted for it

Christians were often crucified or led to slaughter for entertainment in the coliseum

Christians in Ancient Rome

Christians in Ancient Rome

Unlike the Jews, Christians wanted to spread their faith to non-believers.

Many of the poor were attracted to Christianity’s message of care for the poor and rewards for them in heaven

In 313 CE the Roman Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which legalized and tolerated Christians

Council of Nicea

Emperor Constantine Convened the Council of Nicea to eliminate debates over the different interpretations and beliefs of some Christians

The winning side proclaimed the beliefs of modern Christians, that Jesus was of one essence with God.

About 80 years later, the Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of Rome

Rome’s Decay

Rome had tried to fix its inability to efficiently govern such a large empire by splitting into two

It still faced many other major problems: Weak Emperors: Rome depended on the abilities of its

emperors and many emperors were corrupt

Economy: The costs of defending and administering the empire led to high taxes. Inflation and unemployment plagued the empire

Military Decline: The Roman empire began rely on paid soldiers who were often recruited from non-Roman peoples, who were less loyal to Rome.

Invasions by “Barbarians”: Rome was under continual attack by fierce tribes from Northern Europe and Central Asia, such as the Goths and Huns

Attila and the Huns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMZHovydSFQ